‘Digital savvy’ India to be of great help to Germany, says Merkel

New Delhi, Oct. 5 (ANI): German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Digital India’ initiative, saying that India’s experience in digitisation will help Germany and that there is great room for further projects.

“We made the best possible use of time and have been able to sign so many agreements. Economic relations are of great importance and we are greatly enhancing cooperation in science technology and vocational field,” Merkel said here in the joint statement.

Talking about energy cooperation by both nations, she added that it is very much in the foreground, particularly in rural areas, but sustainable development can only be ensured when ruralareas are not being neglected.

“We will work together in combating terrorism, defence, and arms cooperation on a broad foundation. We were taking stock of political issues, realised the world is full of conflicts. Will intensify our cooperation in this as well,” Merkel added.

On returning the famous 9th century idol of Mahishasumardini stolen from Pulwama district in Jammu & Kashmir in 1990s, Merkel said that she knew the Durga statue was of great importance to the people of India.

“We are not going to take a break for two years before we meet next are going to be candid in the future to make the process run smoothly,” Merkel added.